The way I remember it was that I had just got home from hospital on the Thursday and was relaxing by the fire. Come Friday I thought I would inspect the toilet system by sticking my head down the toilet. As I was doing this all my previous meals appeared out of nowhere and went into the toilet. As this took an awful lot out of me I went and lay down on the bed for a while. BIG mistake. No sooner had I got comfortable did I feel the urge to purge all over again. I made it to the toilet just in time. (funny thing is, I don’t remember eating that) This toing and froing went on for a number of hours. At 2.45AM Saturday my wife is getting really worried (bless her) and calls for an ambulance. Then………….
The ambulance arrives and it is decided that I should go with them. Why I don’t know. I don’t even know their names or where they live. Anyway, I am helped down the stairs , in my jammies and slippers and dressing gown, and put into the ambulance. It is after 3.00AM by this time. We arrive at the Ulster Hospital shortly afterwards and I think, for the first time ever in my life, the A&E is virtually empty. Maybe this was my imagination. After all, whoever heard of an empty A&E? Put straight into Resuss ward and there for sure I was the only patient (apart for the old dear in the bed next to me. I start to look around me and I notice my name on the admissions board. I am #1 admission. They must know who I am. Then the fun really begins.
If my memory is anyway correct, I can’t be too certain as I kept blacking out, I saw all these very young children in white coats and blue and green scrubs. Why is everyone so young? Like, have they no homes to go to? Then it dawns on me, these people are the doctors. They are sticking these things into me and I am telling them not to. Or maybe I’m telling them to politely go away. Not sure about that , I will need to check that one out with my wife who by this time is beside me holding a part of my body which feels like my hand. Next thing I am upstairs on the ward. More fun. I think my wife loses it with one of the kids in scrubs because she can’t get the needle in properly. She politely asks the doctor to get someone who can do the job if she can’t. I think I blacked out at this moment(again) Next thing this nice doctor appears and takes control of everything. I can’t remember his name but he reminded me of Dr Kildare. So there we all are up in the ward. Nurses, doctors, Wife and Dr Kildare. After a number of hours have gone by it is decided to move me to the Belfast City Hospital as the Ulster didn’t have the necessary something that was required for me. More fun
Another ambulance ride, with escort, and I arrive at the BCH. The staff are all there awaiting my arrival and as soon as I am on the ward in a private room (note the private, they really know who I am) and they get to work. This is the horrible bit. They need to get lines in so that they can pump stuff into me. I have very poor veins at this stage and they have great difficulty in getting these feckers in. Eventually they are successful and that was that, or so I thought. They need to put a catheter in as well. This is probably the most undignified thing that ever a man could have done to him. By this time I am not really bothered as I am more out of it than in. So, there’s me lying on my hospital bed looking something like Doctor Octopus after doing battle with Spiderman and then I am told I am going to theatre for another procedure. Do I give up now folks or fight on? Neither. I seem to remember looking at everyone and just smiling. Why I don’t know. I have a feeling the drugs were probably responsible.
On the Sunday I had a visit from my family and the Curate from our church. On the Monday I had a visit from my family and the Rector from our church. On the Tuesday I had a visit from my family. On the Tuesday night I got a BIG TIME shock when I got a visit from The Bishop. Now the strange thing about this is, apart from it being such an honour, he had to phone the Rector (who works for the Bishop) and ask for permission to visit me. Now I am not a religious type, but I will support the Church on the Social side of things, but this was very weird indeed. I had a prayer said for me at my bedside by three tiers of the Church and also in the Church itself. Do you think they know who I am or something? The Bishop left me a personal gift of his own. He put it in my hand as I lay there in my bed and he said a prayer for me. He left me holding this thing. It felt really nice holding it and no matter what way I held it there didn’t seem to be any difference . I looked at it and saw that it was an offset cross made from wood. He called it a holding cross. As I have said before I am not a religious type but this object just felt right at the time.
I am now home after more treatment and hospital food. Hopefully that’s me and hospitals finished for the foreseeable future.
Any comments from any of you just click on the title above. New peeps always insulted very gently at first
All the best for now
Posted :: Sunday 2/21/2010 3:55:00 AM
Mickmak
Welcome back once again friend, you are the only man I have ever met in my short life who can make me laugh about a near death experience. As we used to say in the olden days, Keep the faith.
Commented :: 2/22/2010 3:23:00 AM
Welcome back once again friend, you are the only man I have ever met in my short life who can make me laugh about a near death experience. As we used to say in the olden days, Keep the faith.
Commented :: 2/22/2010 3:23:00 AM
Mickmak
And by the way, we brought my brother home from Sydney yesterday after a double bypass, he is 48 today. Yep the same lad who had a brain tumour op in Oct last year. Mrs McD you are nearly as famous as yer man now!!!
Commented :: 2/22/2010 3:29:00 AM
And by the way, we brought my brother home from Sydney yesterday after a double bypass, he is 48 today. Yep the same lad who had a brain tumour op in Oct last year. Mrs McD you are nearly as famous as yer man now!!!
Commented :: 2/22/2010 3:29:00 AM
Avid Reader
You must remember.......you can,t keep up with Ronnie Wood.......he,s used to all of the Rock n,Roll lifestyle! Welcome back.
Commented :: 2/22/2010 4:16:00 AM
You must remember.......you can,t keep up with Ronnie Wood.......he,s used to all of the Rock n,Roll lifestyle! Welcome back.
Commented :: 2/22/2010 4:16:00 AM
Myself
Given some of the things I got up to in my past I reckon I could give Robbie a good run for his (no)money
Commented :: 2/22/2010 7:57:00 AM
Given some of the things I got up to in my past I reckon I could give Robbie a good run for his (no)money
Commented :: 2/22/2010 7:57:00 AM
Myself
Slip of the finger there. Of course I really meant Ronnie
Commented :: 2/23/2010 3:25:00 AM
Slip of the finger there. Of course I really meant Ronnie
Commented :: 2/23/2010 3:25:00 AM
Mickmak
McD, know what you mean about everyone looking young, I think the same thing when I see new coppers, they look like they should still be in school. Sometimes they are also so little, I worry about how they can handle some large aggressive types, but then again they have tasers, capsicum spray and glocks!! Hope you are improving.
Commented :: 2/23/2010 1:14:00 PM
McD, know what you mean about everyone looking young, I think the same thing when I see new coppers, they look like they should still be in school. Sometimes they are also so little, I worry about how they can handle some large aggressive types, but then again they have tasers, capsicum spray and glocks!! Hope you are improving.
Commented :: 2/23/2010 1:14:00 PM
Fan from Upstate NY
McDuff - looks like we have to call out the big guns now and you have gotten a good start. I'll have my Aunt Mil put you on her prayer chain. She has connections. So more prayers and good thoughts go out to you.
Commented :: 2/23/2010 5:56:00 PM
McDuff - looks like we have to call out the big guns now and you have gotten a good start. I'll have my Aunt Mil put you on her prayer chain. She has connections. So more prayers and good thoughts go out to you.
Commented :: 2/23/2010 5:56:00 PM
The cyclist
You are so funny McDuff , I always liked your sense of humour , sometimes I feel terrible laughing when you are going through so much at the moment. I knew you are funny , but did not know about your writting skills, I can even relate to the stories you write and that brings me back to the wonderful memories I have of Bangor , the nursery and a certain friend of us whom I'll always regard as my Irish father . Keep up the writing the blogs ...I know how selfish this must sound , but I need them to remember and never forget how much I owe all of you ............ and remember that you have to be fit when I come back to Bangor to finally see me married with kids :) don't know yet when...... hopefully in an year or 2. Hugs
Commented :: 2/24/2010 6:49:00 AM
You are so funny McDuff , I always liked your sense of humour , sometimes I feel terrible laughing when you are going through so much at the moment. I knew you are funny , but did not know about your writting skills, I can even relate to the stories you write and that brings me back to the wonderful memories I have of Bangor , the nursery and a certain friend of us whom I'll always regard as my Irish father . Keep up the writing the blogs ...I know how selfish this must sound , but I need them to remember and never forget how much I owe all of you ............ and remember that you have to be fit when I come back to Bangor to finally see me married with kids :) don't know yet when...... hopefully in an year or 2. Hugs
Commented :: 2/24/2010 6:49:00 AM
Myself
Hey there old buddy. Great to hear from you. I really hope that you are well and that you are working hard with those kids. I noticed on Facebook that you became friends with your 'Irish Father'. Through that I have made contact with him as well. Keep well my old friend and keep writing in to my wonderful life story epic.
Commented :: 2/24/2010 10:58:00 AM
Hey there old buddy. Great to hear from you. I really hope that you are well and that you are working hard with those kids. I noticed on Facebook that you became friends with your 'Irish Father'. Through that I have made contact with him as well. Keep well my old friend and keep writing in to my wonderful life story epic.
Commented :: 2/24/2010 10:58:00 AM
Myself
Just back from doing wonderful things. First of all I walked half of Queen's Parade then went for lunch then walked back along Queen's Parade. All this without getting out of breath / shortness of breath / pains in my chest / tiredness etc. These stents must be working. I am back home now after being out for about two hours and I feel full of life. Great innit!
Commented :: 2/25/2010 6:44:00 AM
Just back from doing wonderful things. First of all I walked half of Queen's Parade then went for lunch then walked back along Queen's Parade. All this without getting out of breath / shortness of breath / pains in my chest / tiredness etc. These stents must be working. I am back home now after being out for about two hours and I feel full of life. Great innit!
Commented :: 2/25/2010 6:44:00 AM
novascotian
Delighted to learn of your progress. Keep up the good work!!
Commented :: 2/25/2010 6:50:00 AM
Delighted to learn of your progress. Keep up the good work!!
Commented :: 2/25/2010 6:50:00 AM
tido
proud of you McD-- YOU PUT US ALL TO SHAME !
Commented :: 2/25/2010 8:22:00 AM
proud of you McD-- YOU PUT US ALL TO SHAME !
Commented :: 2/25/2010 8:22:00 AM
Avid Reader
I thought that halfway along Queens Parade there was......nothing! Did we have a wee picnic in the car park? Very pleased for you though, you,re doing well.
Commented :: 2/25/2010 2:21:00 PM
I thought that halfway along Queens Parade there was......nothing! Did we have a wee picnic in the car park? Very pleased for you though, you,re doing well.
Commented :: 2/25/2010 2:21:00 PM
irish irene
Glad to hear the good word, thank God. Also, Queen's Parade has a very special place in my heart.
Commented :: 2/25/2010 11:30:00 PM
Glad to hear the good word, thank God. Also, Queen's Parade has a very special place in my heart.
Commented :: 2/25/2010 11:30:00 PM
Mickmak
I can see Grays Hill being conquered next!!
Commented :: 2/26/2010 2:12:00 AM
I can see Grays Hill being conquered next!!
Commented :: 2/26/2010 2:12:00 AM
Myself
The plan for today is to go out with Mrs McD and do the weekly shopping. I am not allowed to push the trolley though. Takes all the fun out of it. Then again things could change. My Father in Law is very very ill and the doctor has had to be called in. I do hope for my wifes sake that all will be OK.
Commented :: 2/26/2010 2:49:00 AM
The plan for today is to go out with Mrs McD and do the weekly shopping. I am not allowed to push the trolley though. Takes all the fun out of it. Then again things could change. My Father in Law is very very ill and the doctor has had to be called in. I do hope for my wifes sake that all will be OK.
Commented :: 2/26/2010 2:49:00 AM
Anorak
One thing i remember about Bangor was how 'hilly' it was. I'm glad to hear yer' back on yer' feet and hoofin' about. Once you manage to walk from Southwell Rd up Central Ave and on up Bryansburn Rd you'll be some pup. By the way i bumped into one of your hero's at a venue in London, none other than Bill Wyman!!! I've been told he'll return so i'll try and get an autograph for you. In the meantime keep on the road to recovery. Cheers!!!
Commented :: 2/26/2010 9:46:00 AM
One thing i remember about Bangor was how 'hilly' it was. I'm glad to hear yer' back on yer' feet and hoofin' about. Once you manage to walk from Southwell Rd up Central Ave and on up Bryansburn Rd you'll be some pup. By the way i bumped into one of your hero's at a venue in London, none other than Bill Wyman!!! I've been told he'll return so i'll try and get an autograph for you. In the meantime keep on the road to recovery. Cheers!!!
Commented :: 2/26/2010 9:46:00 AM
Irish Irene
Mickmac, thank God that your brother is home and what a great blessed birthday.
Commented :: 2/26/2010 9:07:00 PM
Mickmac, thank God that your brother is home and what a great blessed birthday.
Commented :: 2/26/2010 9:07:00 PM
irish irene
Ann, hope everything is alright for you and your family, as I heard New York had more snow today. McDuff, God bless your father-in-law.
Commented :: 2/26/2010 9:11:00 PM
Ann, hope everything is alright for you and your family, as I heard New York had more snow today. McDuff, God bless your father-in-law.
Commented :: 2/26/2010 9:11:00 PM
Mickmak
Thank you Irene, he is doing well, we called in for a chat yesterday. Had a farewell lunch with my sister and her daughter, they fly back to London today. Time to get back to work, just off with Rex the kelpie to bring sheep home. How you going Anorak, get that autograph and you will move to top of the class.
Commented :: 2/27/2010 2:25:00 PM
Thank you Irene, he is doing well, we called in for a chat yesterday. Had a farewell lunch with my sister and her daughter, they fly back to London today. Time to get back to work, just off with Rex the kelpie to bring sheep home. How you going Anorak, get that autograph and you will move to top of the class.
Commented :: 2/27/2010 2:25:00 PM
Myself
Just a note to let you all know what's happening. I am getting out more and more these days. Managed to walk through Ward Park to go and visit my Mother who lives in Ballyholme. (it's amazing how the time passes when you have an iPod with you)Not all good news though. My Father in Law is on his last legs and the doctor says that maybe he won't be here next week if not sooner and on top of that my Mother in Law had to have one of her dogs put to sleep (she was 16) We are spending a lot of time round there at the moment so updates might be sporadic.
Commented :: 3/3/2010 2:18:00 AM
Just a note to let you all know what's happening. I am getting out more and more these days. Managed to walk through Ward Park to go and visit my Mother who lives in Ballyholme. (it's amazing how the time passes when you have an iPod with you)Not all good news though. My Father in Law is on his last legs and the doctor says that maybe he won't be here next week if not sooner and on top of that my Mother in Law had to have one of her dogs put to sleep (she was 16) We are spending a lot of time round there at the moment so updates might be sporadic.
Commented :: 3/3/2010 2:18:00 AM
Mickmak
Thanks McD, when things go quiet we get a bit worried. We wish you all well during this difficult time.
Commented :: 3/4/2010 2:31:00 AM
Thanks McD, when things go quiet we get a bit worried. We wish you all well during this difficult time.
Commented :: 3/4/2010 2:31:00 AM
irish irene
God Bless each and everyone of your family and God's loving arms wrapped around all of you with His comfort.
Commented :: 3/4/2010 1:31:00 PM
God Bless each and everyone of your family and God's loving arms wrapped around all of you with His comfort.
Commented :: 3/4/2010 1:31:00 PM
novascotian
A very stressful time for all of you. May God be with you all.
Commented :: 3/5/2010 7:02:00 AM
A very stressful time for all of you. May God be with you all.
Commented :: 3/5/2010 7:02:00 AM

So glad you are back home again (hopefully for longer this time). Take care in the meantime.
Commented :: 2/21/2010 9:30:00 AM